Tom “Whitey” Nelson passed peacefully on Nov. 13, 2017. He was born in Seattle to Charlie (deceased) and Mary Nelson on Nov. 12, 1952.

He celebrated friendships starting at Enatai Elementary School, Bellevue Junior High and Bellevue High School. He ran through the tunnel as a University of Washington Husky on a full ride scholarship, then finished his degree at the University of Puget Sound playing football for the Loggers. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

After college, he started working for the Norwest Company, a family business that specialized in aerospace manufacturing.

He spent his final years on Whidbey Island, where he loved to spend time golfing and crabbing. He was a proud member of Whidbey Island Eagles, where he made life long friends. He volunteered as Santa Claus for multiple causes, including the Forgotten Children’s Fund. He loved the Washington Huskies and was a huge Seattle Mariners fan.

He leaves behind his mother Mary; two daughters, Makki and Molly and three brothers Jim (Margie), Bill (Kathy) and Bob (Cindy).

The family wishes to thank the South Whidbey care team and the host of wonderful friends who will keep Tom’s spirit alive.

A celebration of life will be held 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3 at the Mercer Island Community Center, 8236 SE 24th St., Mercer Island, WA 98040. A memorial may be made to the Forgotten Children’s Fund, P.O. Box 9936, Seattle, WA 98109.